Collaborative workstation system with interchangeable mobile workstations

ABSTRACT

A collaborative mobile workstation system enables users of the workstations to position and reposition their own workstation in a few minutes or less, without requiring substantial disassembly and reassembly. The system enables arrangements that promote collaboration but that can also include open workstations and semi-private workstation formations with four or more substantive walls around a work surface. Each of the mobile workstations within the system is interchangeable with one another.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/452,751, filed on Jan. 31, 2017, entitled“COLLABORATIVE WORKSTATION SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE MOBILEWORKSTATIONS,” which application is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cubicle workstations. In particular,the present invention relates to collaborative mobile workstations thatare interchangeable with each other and can be easily repositioned innumerous different configurations, creating both private work areas andspaces for group meetings and collaborations using the same mobileworkstation structures.

BACKGROUND

Generally, the cubicle structure is one that is well known in companies.Offices are built out with a plurality of cubicles provided for workersas an alternative to separate brick and mortar offices. Cubicles can beset up in different arrangements, are relatively lower cost, and areeasier to dismantle and rebuild than permanent brick and mortar offices.

However, despite the relative lower cost and relative ease of building,dismantling, and rebuilding to suit a particular demand forworkstations, the conventional cubicle structure is not one that iseasily moved or repositioned without dismantling (fully or partially butsubstantially) and rebuilding in a manner that can be completed in amanner of minutes versus hours or days.

SUMMARY

There is a need for a workstation system that enables users of theworkstations to position and reposition their own cubicle in a fewminutes or less, and that enables arrangements that promotecollaboration but that can also include semi-private cubicle formationswith four or more substantive walls. The present invention is directedtoward further solutions to address this need, in addition to havingother desirable characteristics.

Specifically, first, second, and third mobile workstations are providedthat are each substantially the same configuration, and thereby areinterchangeable with each other in terms of position within the system.Each workstation includes casters or other mobility mechanism to enableeasy movement of the workstation across a floor for convenientrepositioning. As a collaborative workstation system, the configurationof each workstation, first, second, and third mobile workstations arearranged in a generally delta-shaped formation with the first mobileworkstation configured as an open workstation area with wallssubstantially covering only three sides of the first workstation area,the second mobile workstation configured as a semi-private workstationarea with walls substantially covering four sides of the secondworkstation area and a passageway opening at one corner of the secondworkstation area, and the third mobile workstation configured as an openworkstation area with walls substantially covering only three sides ofthe third workstation area. Other collaborative arrangements arepossible by repositioning the mobile workstations relative to each otherto create collaborative areas larger than in individual mobileworkstation but also bounded by the walls of the mobile workstations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other characteristics of the present invention will be morefully understood by reference to the following detailed description inconjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric diagrammatic illustration of a system of mobileworkstations arranged in a collaborative configuration;

FIG. 2 is an isometric diagrammatic illustration of the system of FIG.1, arranged in a different collaborative configuration;

FIG. 3A is an isometric diagrammatic illustration of the system of FIG.1;

FIG. 3B is an isometric diagrammatic illustration of the system of FIG.1 with additional mobile workstations added to each side of theconfiguration;

FIG. 3C is an isometric diagrammatic illustration of the system of FIG.1 with additional mobile workstations added to each side of theconfiguration beyond that which is shown in FIG. 3B; and

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an office space having a plurality of differentconfigurations of mobile workstations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to acollaborative mobile workstation system that enables users of theworkstations to position and reposition their own workstation in a fewminutes or less, without requiring substantial disassembly andreassembly, and that enables arrangements that promote collaboration butthat can also include open workstations and semi-private workstationformations with four or more substantive walls around a work surface.

FIGS. 1 through 4, wherein like parts are designated by like referencenumerals throughout, illustrate an example embodiment or embodiments ofa collaborative mobile workstation system, according to the presentinvention. Although the present invention will be described withreference to the example embodiment or embodiments illustrated in thefigures, it should be understood that many alternative forms can embodythe present invention. One of skill in the art will additionallyappreciate different ways to alter the parameters of the embodiment(s)disclosed, such as the size, shape, or type of elements or materials, ina manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

A collaborative workstation system 100 has as its fundamental componentor building block a mobile workstation 20. As utilized herein, thereference number “20” refers to the mobile workstation, which isinterchangeable as a component of the larger collaborative workstationsystem 100 as further described herein, as well as instances of themobile workstation, such as mobile workstations 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d,20 e. The mobile workstation 20 includes a generally vertically orientedwall having a left section 22, a right section 26 opposite the leftsection 22, and a back section 24 therebetween connecting the leftsection 22 with the right section 26. The three sections combine todefine a perimeter of a workstation area 30. The workstation area 30 isthe area occupied by the footprint of the mobile workstation 20, whichin the illustrative embodiment is generally a rectangular shaped sectiondefined on three sides by the vertically oriented wall, and on a fourthside going along the opening allowing access into the mobile workstation20 by a user.

A work surface 28 is coupled to the wall between the right section 26and the left section 22 in a location that is proximal the back section24. As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the worksurface 28 can be coupled or mounted in any conventional manner, such asby a bracket, and can be further supported by one or more legs (notshown) if desired. The brackets can couple the work surface with theleft section 22, the back section 24, the right section 26, or anycombination thereof.

One or more casters 34 are disposed along a base of the wall supportingthe wall and enabling movement of the mobile workstation 20 across afloor surface 36 upon which it rests.

A first mobile workstation 20 a, a second mobile workstation 20 b, and athird mobile workstation 20 c are arranged in a generally delta-shapedformation. The first mobile workstation 20 a is configured as an openworkstation with walls substantially covering only three sides of afirst workstation area 30 a. The second mobile workstation 20 b isconfigured as a semi-private workstation with walls substantiallycovering four sides of a second workstation area 30 b and a passagewayopening 38 at one corner of the second workstation area 30 b. The thirdmobile workstation 20 c is configured as an open workstation with wallssubstantially covering only three sides of a third workstation area 30c.

This structure and arrangement can be expanded upon in numerousdifferent variations, leveraging the mobile workstation 20 as theprimary building block. For example, the collaborative workstationsystem 100 can further include a fourth mobile workstation 20 d and afifth mobile workstation 20 e arranged on an opposite side of the thirdmobile workstation 20 c from the first mobile workstation 20 a and thesecond mobile workstation 20 b, as shown in FIG. 1. In this arrangement,the fifth mobile workstation 20 e mirrors the first mobile workstation20 a and the fourth mobile workstation 20 d mirrors the second mobileworkstation 20 b in arrangement. Likewise in this arrangement, thesecond mobile workstation 20 b and the fourth mobile workstation 20 dare both semi-private workstations, while the first, third, and fifthmobile workstations 20 a, 20 c, and 20 e are all open workstations.Those of skill in the art will appreciated numerous other configurationsmade possible by the interchangeable mobile workstation 20 of thepresent invention, such that the present invention is not limited toonly the illustrative arrangements depicted herein.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the left section22, the right section 26 opposite the left section 22, and the backsection 24, on each of the mobile workstation 20 are oriented at rightangles to each other at their line of intersection. This configurationforms a generally U-shape or bracket shape as viewed in planar view fromabove the mobile workstation 20. The corners of intersection can beactual right angles, or may be curved, for example. The overall shape ofthe mobile workstation 20 and the workstation area 30 is generallyquadrilateral in shape in the illustrative embodiment.

The work surface 28 of the mobile workstation 20 is generally planar inmost implementations, but can be modified to suit a particular purpose,as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art. The work surface28 can be adjustable in height. The work surface 28 is orientedgenerally horizontally in most implementations, but may also be pitchedin a non-horizontal plane, as would be appreciated by those of skill inthe art.

The one or more casters 34 of the mobile workstation 20 can beimplemented using any known form of caster or other mechanism enablingmovement, including but not limited to having a wheel, roller, bearing,rotating sphere, or combinations thereof. The caster, as referred toherein, is defined conventionally but also includes the general conceptof enabling gliding, rolling, or otherwise ease of movement, of themobile workstation 20 across a typical floor 36. The mobile workstation20 further includes a position locking mechanism 40 configured to holdthe mobile workstation 20 in fixed locations. Such locking mechanism 40can be implemented in numerous different conventional means, includingbut not limited to a lock on the one or more casters 34, a stopextending against the floor 36, or other conventional locking means aswould be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

In certain arrangements, a gap 44 may exist in wall coverage between,e.g., the second mobile workstation 20 b and the third mobileworkstation 20 c at a corner of the second mobile workstation 20 b thatis adjacent the corner with the passageway opening 38. This gap 44 canform another passageway into the second workstation area 30 b.Alternatively, the entire arrangement of the first, second, and thirdmobile workstations 20 a, 20 b, 20 c can be placed against a wall of theroom in which they are located to block off that gap 44, as would bereadily appreciated by those of skill in the art. Further alternatively,a wall can be extended to cover the gap, or an insert can be provided,such as depicted in FIG. 2 where there is no gap 44.

FIG. 2 depicts the collaborative workstation system 100 with a centraltable 42 arranged in an interior work area surrounded by the firstmobile workstation 20 a, second mobile workstation 20 b, and thirdmobile workstation 20 c. Additionally, in the arrangement shown, thefourth mobile workstation 20 d and fifth mobile workstation 20 e alsosurround the central table 42. The central table 42 can include anynumber of different surfaces or features, such as being a conventionaltable formed of, e.g., wood, composite, granite, laminate, etc. Thecentral table 42 can alternatively be a whiteboard, have a transparentsurface with projection from underneath, be an interactive screen ortouchpad, or the like.

The mobile workstation 20 can include any number of differentaccessories. For example, the mobile workstation 20 can further includea bookshelf 32 mounted on a wall. A serial power strip connection can beprovided between the first mobile workstation 20 a and the second mobileworkstation 20 b. A serial power strip connection can likewise beprovided between the second mobile workstation 20 b and the third mobileworkstation 20 c. Any combination of mobile workstations 20 can includeserial power strip connection between adjacent mobile workstations 20.The power strip connection is a conventional electrical connection powercoupling as would be readily understood by those of skill in the art,and therefore not shown in the figures. In addition, an connection port46 can be uniformly located on each of the mobile workstations 20 thatincludes, e.g., the serial power strip connection as well as otherconnections such as Ethernet cable jacks or couplings, audio cable jacksor couplings, optical cable jacks or couplings, telephone jacks orcouplings, or the like, to enable the mobile workstation 20 to plug intoa system of connected mobile workstations 20 and have, e.g., power,data, audio, telephone, and/or other feeds supplied directly to eachmobile workstation 20. The user of the mobile workstation 20 can thenplug in their own devices to corresponding jacks built into theworkstation, or the workstation can have built-in accessories, such aslights, speakers, or phones, that are powered up and communicativelycoupled for operation.

The mobile workstations 20 can be constructed of conventionalworkstation materials, including but not limited to wood, composite,metal, plastic, fabric, and the like.

In operation, a mobile workstation 20 is positioned in a location on afloor 36. If a user desires to move the mobile workstation 20 thelocking mechanisms 40 are unlocked and the mobile workstation is pushed,pulled, or otherwise manipulated into a different location on the floor36, with or without other mobile workstations 20. When the final desiredposition is achieved, the locking mechanisms 40 are locked. There can beadditional brackets, clamps or other mechanisms to bind walls of twoadjacent mobile workstations 20 together in a manner that maintainsalignment. The additional brackets or clamps can be of numerousconfigurations as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depict the collaborative workstation system 100(100 a, 100 b, 100 c) in a number of different arrangement variations.FIG. 3A shows the collaborative workstation system 100 a with fivemobile workstations 20, two of which are in a semi-private configurationand the remainder are in an open workstation configuration. FIG. 3Bshows the collaborative workstation system 100 b with nine mobileworkstations 20, four of which are in a semi-private workstationconfiguration and the remainder are in an open workstationconfiguration. FIG. 3C shows the collaborative workstation system 100 cwith fifteen mobile workstations 20, four of which are in a semi-privateworkstation configuration and the remainder are in an open workstationconfiguration.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a larger installment of the collaborativeworkstation system 100. In this figure the versatility and the numerousdifferent example arrangements can be seen.

The collaborative workstation system 100 of the present invention isfacilitated by the ease of movement of the mobile workstations withoutrequiring disassembly, and the fact that the mobile workstations 20 areinterchangeable with each other. These core features mean that users ofthe workstations are enabled to easily move the mobile workstationsaround to form new and different arrangements with collaborative workareas, with our without central tables 42 or other collaborative tools.The mobile workstations 20 can be unlocked, repositioned, and locked ina few minutes or less, without requiring substantial disassembly andreassembly that take hours, such as would be required with priorconventional cubicles, thereby providing a dramatic improvement inworkplace environments.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, acollaborative workstation system includes a) a first mobile workstation,including a first wall, generally vertically oriented, and having a leftsection, a right section opposite the left section, and a back sectiontherebetween connecting the left section with the right section, whichdefines a first perimeter of a first workstation area; a work surfacecoupled to the first wall between the right section and the left sectionand proximal the back section; and one or more casters disposed along abase of the first wall supporting the first wall and enabling movementof the first mobile workstation across a floor surface upon which itrests. The system can further include b) a second mobile workstation,including a second wall, generally vertically oriented, and having aleft section, a right section opposite the left section, and a backsection therebetween connecting the left section with the right section,which defines a second perimeter of a second workstation area; a worksurface coupled to the second wall between the right section and theleft section and proximal the back section; and one or more castersdisposed along a base of the second wall supporting the second wall andenabling movement of the second mobile workstation across a floorsurface upon which it rests. The system can further include c) a thirdmobile workstation, including a third wall, generally verticallyoriented, and having a left section, a right section opposite the leftsection, and a back section therebetween connecting the left sectionwith the right section, which defines a third perimeter of a thirdworkstation area; a work surface coupled to the third wall between theright section and the left section and proximal the back section; andone or more casters disposed along a base of the third wall supportingthe third wall and enabling movement of the third mobile workstationacross a floor surface upon which it rests. The first mobileworkstation, the second mobile workstation, and the third mobileworkstation can be arranged in a generally delta-shaped formation withthe first mobile workstation configured as an open workstation withwalls substantially covering only three sides of the first workstationarea, the second mobile workstation configured as a semi-privateworkstation with walls substantially covering four sides of the secondworkstation area and a passageway opening at one corner of the secondworkstation area, and the third mobile workstation configured as an openworkstation with walls substantially covering only three sides of thethird workstation area.

The system can further include a fourth mobile workstation and a fifthmobile workstation arranged on an opposite side of the third mobileworkstation from the first mobile workstation and the second mobileworkstation, in such a way that the fifth mobile workstation mirrors thefirst mobile workstation and the fourth mobile workstation mirrors thesecond mobile workstation in arrangement.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the left section,the right section opposite the left section, and the back section, oneach of the first mobile workstation, second mobile workstation, andthird mobile workstation are oriented at right angles to each other attheir line of intersection.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the work surfacesof each of the first mobile workstation, second mobile workstation, andthird mobile workstation can be generally planar. The work surfaces ofeach of the first mobile workstation, second mobile workstation, andthird mobile workstation can be adjustable in height. The work surfacesof each of the first mobile workstation, second mobile workstation, andthird mobile workstation can be oriented generally horizontally. Thework surfaces of each of the first mobile workstation, second mobileworkstation, and third mobile workstation can be pitched in anon-horizontal plane.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the one or morecasters of each of the first mobile workstation, second mobileworkstation, and third mobile workstation can be a wheel, roller,bearing, rotating sphere, or combinations thereof. Each of the firstmobile workstation, second mobile workstation, and third mobileworkstation further can be a position locking mechanism to hold each ofthe first, second, and third mobile workstations in fixed locations.Each of the first mobile workstation, second mobile workstation, andthird mobile workstation can include workstation areas of a generallyquadrilateral shape. One or more central tables can be arranged in aninterior work area surrounded by the first mobile workstation, secondmobile workstation, and third mobile workstation. A gap in wall coveragecan be provided between the second mobile workstation and the thirdmobile workstation at a corner of the second mobile workstation that isadjacent the corner with the passageway opening.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a bookshelf can bemounted on a wall of one or more of the first mobile workstation, thesecond mobile workstation or the third mobile workstation. A serialpower strip connection can be between the first mobile workstation andthe second mobile workstation, and between the second mobile workstationand the third mobile workstation.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the first mobileworkstation, the second mobile workstation, and the third mobileworkstation are interchangeable with each other. The first mobileworkstation, the second mobile workstation, and the third mobileworkstation can be each in a generally U-shaped wall arrangement.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a connection portcan be disposed on each of the first mobile workstation, the secondmobile workstation, and the third mobile workstation which interconnectseach workstation. The connection port can include plurality ofconnections. The connection port can include a plurality of connectionsselected from the list consisting of power outlets, Ethernet cable jacksor couplings, audio cable jacks or couplings, optical cable jacks orcouplings, and telephone jacks or couplings.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, acollaborative workstation system includes a plurality of interchangeablemobile workstations, each workstation having a wall, generallyvertically oriented, and having a left section, a right section oppositethe left section, and a back section therebetween connecting the leftsection with the right section, which defines a perimeter of aworkstation area. A work surface is coupled to the wall between theright section and the left section and proximal the back section. One ormore casters are disposed along a base of the wall supporting the walland enabling movement of each of the plurality of interchangeable mobileworkstations across a floor surface upon which they rest. The pluralityof interchangeable mobile workstations are arranged in a generallydelta-shaped formation with a first mobile workstation configured as anopen workstation with walls substantially covering only three sides of afirst workstation area, a second mobile workstation configured as asemi-private workstation with walls substantially covering four sides ofa second workstation area and a passageway opening at one corner of thesecond workstation area, and a third mobile workstation configured as anopen workstation with walls substantially covering only three sides of athird workstation area.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a method ofusing a collaborative workstation system includes, provided a pluralityof interchangeable mobile workstations, a user unlocking one or morelocking mechanisms to enable one of the plurality of interchangeablemobile workstations to have mobility. The user positions the one of theplurality of mobile workstations in a desired location. The user locksthe one of the plurality of mobile workstations in the desired location.The user repeats the process for each of the plurality ofinterchangeable mobile workstations desired to be repositioned. Themethod can further include the user connecting one or more connectingports between two adjacent mobile workstations of the plurality ofmobile workstations. The method can further include mechanicallycoupling two adjacent mobile workstations of the plurality of mobileworkstations together.

To any extent utilized herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising”are intended to be construed as being inclusive, not exclusive. Asutilized herein, the terms “exemplary”, “example”, and “illustrative”,are intended to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”and should not be construed as indicating, or not indicating, apreferred or advantageous configuration relative to otherconfigurations. As utilized herein, the terms “about” and“approximately” are intended to cover variations that may existing inthe upper and lower limits of the ranges of subjective or objectivevalues, such as variations in properties, parameters, sizes, anddimensions. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”,“approximately”, and “generally” mean at, or plus 10 percent or less, orminus 10 percent or less. In one non-limiting example, the terms“about”, “approximately”, and “generally” mean sufficiently close to bedeemed by one of skill in the art in the relevant field to be included.As utilized herein, the terms “substantially” and “generally” refer tothe complete or nearly complete extend or degree of an action,characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would beappreciated by one of skill in the art. For example, an object that is“substantially” circular would mean that the object is either completelya circle to mathematically determinable limits, or nearly a circle aswould be recognized or understood by one of skill in the art. The exactallowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in someinstances depend on the specific context. However, in general, thenearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result asif absolute and total completion were achieved or obtained. The use of“substantially” is equally applicable when utilized in a negativeconnotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action,characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would beappreciated by one of skill in the art.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of theforegoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construedas illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details ofthe structure may vary substantially without departing from the spiritof the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications thatcome within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within thisspecification embodiments have been described in a way which enables aclear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended andwill be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined orseparated without parting from the invention. It is intended that thepresent invention be limited only to the extent required by the appendedclaims and the applicable rules of law.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover allgeneric and specific features of the invention described herein, and allstatements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language,might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collaborative workstation system, comprising: aplurality of mobile workstations, the plurality of mobile workstationscomprising a first group and a second group, each workstationcomprising: a plurality of walls defining three sides of the workstationand an interior work area, the plurality of walls comprising first andsecond side walls having same dimensions, and a back wall being longerthan the side walls and extending between and rigidly affixed to theside walls to form fixed angles with the side walls, a fourth side ofthe workstation being at least partially open; a work surface integratedwithin the interior work area, the first and second side walls eachhaving a length greater than a width of the work surface such that thefirst and second side walls are configured to block view of the interiorwork area from a position facing the first or second side walls,exterior to the workstation; and one or more casters disposed along abase of one or more of the plurality of walls, the one or more castersenabling movement of each workstation across a floor surface upon whicheach workstation rests; wherein the first group is arranged in a firstconfiguration and the second group is arranged in a second configurationwherein, in the first configuration, the plurality of mobileworkstations are arranged such that the back walls of each of theplurality of mobile workstations are parallel to each other and alignedwith each other, and the first and second sidewalls of at least some ofthe mobile workstations lie adjacent to each other, the firstconfiguration configured to provide privacy to people sitting at each ofthe work surfaces in the plurality of workstations by the first andsecond side walls blocking views of the people from each other; andwherein, in the second configuration different than the firstconfiguration, the plurality of mobile workstations are arranged suchthat the back walls of a first group of the plurality of mobileworkstations are parallel to each other and aligned with each other, andthe first and side walls of at least some of the mobile workstations inthe first group lie adjacent to each other, and at least one mobileworkstation in a second group of mobile workstations, the back wall ofthe at least one mobile workstation in the second group orientedorthogonally to the back walls in the first group of the plurality ofworkstations, and the first side wall of a mobile workstation in thesecond group of mobile workstations aligned in and partially blockingthe fourth side of a private workstation in the first group of mobileworkstations, the second configuration configured for collaboration byallowing one or more people at the second group of mobile workstationsto view one or more people at the first group of mobile workstationsthrough the fourth side of the mobile workstations in the first andsecond groups, except for the private workstation in the first group ofmobile workstations, which private workstation is more closed off andprivate than other workstations in the first and second groups.
 2. Thecollaborative workstation system of claim 1, wherein the one or morecasters are positioned at corners between adjoining walls of theplurality of walls.
 3. The collaborative workstation system of claim 1,further comprising a position locking mechanism for securing eachworkstation in a fixed position.
 4. The collaborative workstation systemof claim 3, wherein disengagement of the locking mechanism enablesmovement of each workstation across the floor surface upon which eachworkstation rests by the one or more casters.
 5. The collaborativeworkstation system of claim 3, wherein the position locking mechanismengages the one or more casters to prevent rolling of the one or morecasters.
 6. The collaborative workstation system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of mobile workstations are arranged in a formation relative toeach other, which structurally defines a plurality of private work areasand a collaborative work area.
 7. The collaborative workstation systemof claim 1, further comprising a connection port on each workstation. 8.The collaborative workstation system of claim 7, wherein the connectionport comprises a power strip configured to receive one or more powercords electrically connecting each workstation and for electricallyconnecting a power source to each work station.
 9. The collaborativeworkstation system of claim 8, wherein a power cord to a power strip ofa work station is configured to be disconnected during movement of theworkstation.
 10. The collaborative workstation system of claim 7,wherein the connection port comprises a network jack configured toreceive one or more network cables connecting each workstation and toconnect each workstation to a network.
 11. The collaborative workstationsystem of claim 8, wherein a network cable to a network jack of a workstation is configured to be disconnected during movement of theworkstation.
 12. The collaborative workstation system of claim 7,wherein the connection port comprises a telephone jack configured toreceive one or more telephone cables connecting each workstation and toconnect each work station to a telephone system.
 13. The collaborativeworkstation system of claim 8, wherein a telephone cable to a telephonejack of a work station is configured to be disconnected during movementof the workstation.
 14. The collaborative workstation system of claim 1,wherein the work surface is supported on one or more of the plurality ofwalls.